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There’s An Electric Car Charging Etiquette?!

When you have a fuel-powered vehicle then there are certain rules that you follow at the gas station. While tempers may flare on occasion, generally getting fuel is a time when you can shut down your car and your mind, and watch the gas tank fill up click by click. Now that there are electric vehicles, there is also a specific electric charging etiquette to follow too. It may be a bit different, but it’s best to keep your neighbours happy when waiting in line.

Set a Schedule. You should be charging up before you get that red flashing light on your dashboard. The last thing you want is to panic when the guy pulls in front of you first.

Don’t Worry About the last 20%. Charging EV batteries is different than filling up a fuel tank to the top. EV batteries will charge up fast when they’re low, then slow down once they reach the halfway point. If you have a good charging station nearby, then don’t worry about the last set of electrons, as it’s going to be inefficient.

Charge Up & Let the Next Guy in. If you need to do something else at the charging station, move your car out of the charging spot first, before you grab that drink or snack. Don’t hog the spot when there’s a long line behind you.

It’s Not Your Personal Spot. Sure, you may have been the only one with an electric vehicle, but now your neighbour or coworkers need to share the spot. Ensure you move out of it when you’re done. You may even make new friends if you text when you’re done.

Don’t Use It As a Parking Spot. Unless you’re charging your vehicle, don’t park in that spot. It doesn’t matter if there are two other charging spots there, someone may need it.

Use Free Apps. There are apps that list charging stations in your city. There may even be some free ones. You can even learn which charging stations are free, and get an alert when your car is charged up.

Charge During Off Times. If it’s during rush hour traffic, it’s like your regular gas station—it’ll be busy. Choose to charge up on the weekend or later at night.

Set Up Your Own Charging Station. Many apartments and condos will allow the instalment of an EV charging station, as long as you offer to pay the costs. If you own a house, then you can easily set one up at home. You can even set up a solar array, which will result in free energy in the future.

Buy New Shoes or a Bike. As electric vehicles become more popular, there is going to be an increase in EV charging stations. However, they’re unlikely to be free. You may wish to walk more often, or buy a bike.

Be sure to be respectful of other drivers of electric vehicles. You’re both concerned about the environment, and perhaps you can even help each other out during those times when it can be hard to get a spot at the EV charging station.